Check Out These 9 Tips On Selling With Kids In Your Home
Ever thought about selling your home and quickly realized the nightmare that would take place selling with kids in the home!? Well, you're not the first!
Don't worry, this scenario has played out many times before. Planning out the selling process properly will save you a lot of agony. So take a deep breath, and you'll get through this.
The toughest part of selling will kids in your home is that they tend to undo all your hard work in getting a room cleaned up and ready. In other words, when you move on to the next room, they trail behind making more messes.
Kids just don't feel that sense or urgency that adults feel during this major life changing event. For this reason, avoid any unnecessary tension in the household by checking out these simple steps to making the selling with kids process smooth and stress free (as possible!).
Here are some trusty and solid tips:
1. Get Organized & Prepared
First things first, it's time to get organize your thoughts and ideas and start with a plan. With a little sense of control over everything, you'll have calm nerves.
When the kids give you a second of peace during nap time or school hours, organize your plan even if it takes a week to do it.
Next let's do a little decluttering of the home. Start by going through the kids closets, dressers and toy chests and find items you can put in storage or donate. Once complete, do a little more decluttering! ; )
Clear off dressers, nightstands, and move kids personalized items and store them (this is for the safety). Store all but about a 1/4 of the kids toys and leave out only 1-2 weeks of clothing at a time. If old enough, let them select which toys and clothes they use the most and let them be involved by boxing up the rest. Kids can feel special when their given a chance to help, try letting them pack and mark boxes.
2. Create a Family Contract
Create a contract when selling with kids, after all you'll be signing a lot of papers when you sell and buy your next home. For example, if your kids are older, use this as a great life lesson! What motivates your kids to help get the home ready to show?
With the little ones in mind, bribery may work! Put a picture of the latest toy they want somewhere inconspicuous like behind a closet or pantry door. Let them remind themselves over an over to stay excited and motivated.
Plan a special mini vacation and add it to the calendar. Let the kids place a sticker on every day leading up to the even. An easy self reminder of why they are helping.
If the kids are a bit too old for a special trip, maybe it's earning a paycheck at the end for a job well done! Whatever reward, just ensure it's something they will really be excited about. Provide a distinct list of chores and times they need to be completed by. Just keep in mind about being age appropriate and reasonable.
Provide kids with a tote or laundry basket so they can put their things away. Toys, gaming equipment, school stuff, clothes, shoes and jackets can be stored away under beds or closets for quick stashing.
3. Make a Daily Clean-Up Checklist for Kids
Making a checklist of chores the kids are able to help with will keep there habits on the right track.
A list of reminders to make beds, straighten up, clean bathroom counters off, will work wonders. Keep cleaning wipes in reach as well as putting away toiletries, close toilet seats and hang up towels.
Place dirty dishes in the dishwasher or clean, dry and put away, instead of placing them in the sink. Having them run around turning on lights in the house and opening window blinds before leaving for school will show your home in a brighter light!
4. Prepare Showing Baskets
Pre-made picnic baskets are a stellar way to ease the pressure when you frantically prepare for the next home viewing. Picnic Baskets can hold many of the kid's snacks, treats and drinks as well as a special toy or book. Be unique and it a fun experience that only happens when you get a showing, bring excitement and not worry with you!
Don't forget to have you own picnic basket, bring along some personal items in the unexpected case you have to vacate the home quickly. Once made, keep them in your car, by door or garage for quick easy grabbing on the go.
Home Selling With Kids Can Be Tricky
5. Plan Out Your Routes
Have some ideas of easy trips or places to go when a showing happens. Reduce the amount of last minute planning to make those showings easier during the rush of things. Activities like going to the park, for a hike, getting a bite to eat or just walking around the town mall can all help pass the time.
Think of possible friends and family who could look after the kids during nap time if needed. Having a list of easy to reach destinations that you find enjoyable will help your mental state.
6. Have a Personal Checklist
Have your own checklist, having a basket or tote is a great way to gather up left out items on the fly. Just throw it in the car with you as you leave, if needed.
Having a written plan will help you not forget important tasks and do a final check of the home once the kids are safely in the car.
7. Set Up a Showing Notification Time
Once you're ready to list your home, have your agent note on the listing that a 1-2 hours showing notice is required. Ask for more or less time based on your individual needs. Furthermore, make sure you have an ample amount of time to avoid the awkward moment of trying to leave when buyers are present.
Make sure to provide enough time for kids to finish naps or chore list items. Having time to do a final sweep of the home before buyers get there is important when keeping stress lower. Use the time wisely, no one likes to feel pressed for time.
8. Minimize Your Assignments
The easier you can make the process, the better. Here are a few ideas to help out:
- Grill meals or cook in the oven and try to use a single dish. Less clean up with fewer dishes and no grease splatter on the cook-top to clean up.
- Limit use of bathrooms to one or two if possible. Less to clean the better!
- Have a specific place for all homework and stash all of the kids crafting materials, you’ll thank us for this one!
Keep toys, books and games in one room like the kids bedroom or playroom and leave the main spaces a bit less lawless. Schedule a good amount of outside play time and have all shoes taken off at the door (if weather permits of course).
9. Relaxation!
With a good chance the people buying your home have children or have been around them enough, will know families have to live in their homes too.
Nothing will go perfect, and you may not get to every item on your list everyday, but that's ok! Your kids demeanor will match that of yours, so remember to take in a deep breath!
Selling with kids is a challenge for sure, but with a little planning it can also be a fun shared family experience. Following the tips above should help throughout the home sale process. Choosing a great Realtor to work with and not the first one you meet will help you along the way.
Good Realtors that can sell your home fast and keep in constant communication throughout the process will greatly decrease your stress levels. Who you hire will have a huge impact on your success, so choose smart!
Stay positive, have a plan, be prepared and make fantastic memories with your family during this process. Selling with kids - You've got this!!
Check Out These Tips on Preparing for a Home Inspection Before Selling.
